Skincare trends come and go, but one that has recently gained popularity is "Slugging."
What is Slugging?
If you're not familiar with this term, it refers to the practice of applying a layer of petroleum jelly, also known as Vaseline, on top of your regular skincare routine before bed. Proponents of slugging claim that it helps to lock in moisture and keep the skin hydrated, leading to a plump and glowing complexion. Some even claim that it can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
While Vaseline has been used as a skincare product for decades, the trend of slugging has only recently gained traction, thanks in part to the rise of social media. Beauty influencers and celebrities have endorsed the practice, sharing their own slugging routines and before-and-after photos on social media platforms.
But is slugging actually a good idea? The short answer is: it depends.
On the plus side, Vaseline is an inexpensive and widely available product that can provide some hydration to the skin. It's also hypoallergenic, making it suitable for people with sensitive skin.
Be Cautious
One potential downside of slugging is that it can lead to clogged pores. Petroleum jelly is an occlusive agent, which means it creates a barrier on the skin that can trap bacteria and other impurities. When pores are blocked, it can lead to acne breakouts and other skin issues.
Another potential downside is that petroleum jelly is not a natural product and may contain synthetic ingredients that some people may prefer to avoid. It's always a good idea to check the ingredient list of any skincare product, including petroleum jelly, and make sure it aligns with your personal preferences and concerns.
Additionally, some people may find that petroleum jelly is too heavy or greasy for their skin type. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, slugging may not be the best choice for you. It's important to consider your own skin type and needs when deciding whether to incorporate slugging into your skincare routine.
Personally, when I tried using vaseline at night, it felt as if I am peeling my skin off my pillow every time I changed side. And I was surprised how much was still on my face when I woke up next morning.
Finally, it's worth noting that there is limited scientific research on the effects of slugging on the skin. While some people claim that it has benefits such as improved hydration and reduced fine lines and wrinkles, these claims have not been extensively studied or proven. It's always a good idea to approach skincare trends with caution and be wary of overly bold claims.
Slugging may be good for short-term
If you have tried and liked the effect please know that slugging is not a permanent solution. You may use it for short-term to help with skin dryness or damage.
However, if you need this remedy beyond a few weeks, a few nights per week, you probably need something that is more specifically targeted to address the underlying reason of your condition.
During menopause, skin loses up to 30% of its collagen in just 5 years. Peptides are the gentle, science-backed solution that stimulates collagen production without the irritation of retinol—perfect for sensitive, mature skin experiencing hormonal changes.
Your favorite moisturizer burns. Water stings. Even your gentlest cleanser leaves you red and angry.
If this sounds familiar, you're not suddenly "allergic to everything"—your skin barrier is damaged, and there's a critical difference between this and normal dry or sensitive skin. For women over 40, hormonal changes make barrier damage more likely yet harder to identify, leading many to treat the problem incorrectly for months.
Understanding this distinction could be the key to finally getting your skin back on track. Damaged barriers require a completely different approach than typical dryness, and using the wrong strategy will only make the problem worse.
Ready to decode what your skin is really telling you?
Navigating the world of skincare can often feel like solving a complex puzzle. Amidst the vast array of advice, how do you decipher what's truly beneficial for your skin? Join us as we clear the fog surrounding some of the most common skincare myths, empowering you with the knowledge to make informed skincare choices
Myth 1: The More Ingredients, the Better
Reality:
This "kitchen sink" approach to skincare is not only ineffective—it can be counterproductive, especially for sensitive, mature skin.
When products contain 30+ ingredients, you're exponentially increasing the risk of irritation and allergic reactions. Research shows that shorter ingredient lists with targeted, research-backed components deliver superior results with fewer side effects.
The Science: Dermatological research consistently shows that products with shorter, more focused ingredient lists are less likely to cause adverse reactions. The principle is simple: each additional ingredient represents a potential allergen or irritant, particularly for sensitive skin that becomes more reactive with age.
Smarter Choice: Look for products with focused, research-backed ingredients that address your specific concerns. Each ingredient should serve a clear purpose—hydration, barrier repair, or antioxidant protection—rather than being included for marketing appeal.
Myth 2: Natural and Organic Products are Always Safer
Reality:
While "natural" and "organic" sound appealing, these terms don't guarantee safety or effectiveness, especially for sensitive skin.
Poison ivy is natural. So are potent essential oils that can cause severe reactions. The skincare industry has weaponized these feel-good terms to create a health halo around products that may contain highly irritating botanical extracts.
The Science: Dermatological research consistently shows that some of the most common allergens in skincare are natural ingredients, including lavender oil, citrus extracts, and tree nut derivatives. Meanwhile, many synthetic ingredients are identical to compounds your skin naturally produces (biomimetic ingredients) and are often gentler and more stable.
Smarter Choice: Evaluate ingredients based on scientific evidence, not origin story. Look for biomimetic ingredients that work in harmony with your skin's natural processes, whether they're derived from plants or created in labs.
Myth 3: If a Product Burns, It’s Working
Reality:
Pain is not gain when it comes to skincare. Stinging, burning, or tingling sensations typically indicate irritation or barrier damage—the opposite of healthy skin function.
This dangerous myth has led countless women to endure uncomfortable reactions, thinking they're "activating" their products. In reality, they're compromising their skin barrier and potentially causing long-term sensitivity.
The Science: Research in dermatology journals shows that products causing immediate irritation often lead to chronic inflammation, which accelerates aging and can create permanent sensitivity issues. Healthy skin improvement should feel comfortable and soothing.
Smarter Choice: Choose products that feel comfortable upon application. Effective skincare should strengthen your skin barrier, not compromise it. If a product consistently causes discomfort, discontinue use immediately.
Myth 4: Higher Price Means Higher Quality
Reality:
Price often reflects marketing budgets, celebrity endorsements, and luxury packaging—not necessarily ingredient quality or formulation expertise.
Some of the most expensive skincare products contain the same basic ingredients as drugstore alternatives, just with prettier packaging and higher profit margins.
The Science: A comparative analysis in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science found no correlation between product price and clinical effectiveness. The study revealed that formulation quality, ingredient concentration, and delivery systems matter far more than cost.
Smarter Choice: Research ingredients and concentrations rather than focusing on price points. Look for transparent brands that provide detailed information about their formulations and clinical testing. Sometimes the most effective solution is also the most straightforward.
Myth 5: Makeup Wipes are the Best Way to Remove Makeup
Reality:
Makeup wipes are the skincare equivalent of using a dry paper towel to clean your kitchen—they move dirt around without actually removing it.
These convenient wipes typically contain harsh surfactants and preservatives that can disrupt your skin's microbiome and leave residue that clogs pores. They also require aggressive rubbing that can damage delicate facial skin.
The Science: Studies show that proper cleansing requires both time and the right pH balance to effectively remove impurities without disrupting the skin barrier. Makeup wipes fail on both counts, often leaving behind 30-40% of makeup and environmental pollutants.
Smarter Choice: Use a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser that effectively dissolves makeup and impurities. Oil-based cleansers or micellar waters followed by a gentle cream cleanser provide thorough cleansing without the harsh physical manipulation that wipes require.
Myth 6: You Absolutely Need a Toner
Reality:
If you're using a properly formulated cleanser, additional pH balancing is unnecessary—and some toners can actually disrupt your skin's natural balance.
This myth originated from an era when harsh, alkaline cleansers were the norm. Modern, well-formulated cleansers maintain your skin's natural pH without requiring a separate balancing step.
The Science: Healthy skin naturally maintains a pH of approximately 4.5-5.5. Research shows that disrupting this natural acidity with alkaline products can compromise the skin barrier and alter beneficial bacterial populations.
Smarter Choice: Choose a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser that doesn't require correction. If you enjoy the ritual of toning, opt for hydrating essences with beneficial ingredients like hyaluronic acid or niacinamide rather than harsh, alcohol-based toners.
Myth 7: You Don't Need Sunscreen on Cloudy Days
Reality:
UV rays penetrate clouds and windows, causing cumulative damage that accelerates aging and increases skin cancer risk—regardless of weather or location.
Up to 80% of UV rays can penetrate cloud cover, and UVA rays (the ones responsible for aging) easily pass through glass windows. For mature skin that's already more vulnerable to photodamage, this daily exposure adds up significantly.
The Science: The American Academy of Dermatology reports that incidental sun exposure (driving, sitting by windows, brief outdoor activities) accounts for significant lifetime UV damage. Studies show that daily sunscreen use can slow aging by up to 24%.
Smarter Choice: Make broad-spectrum SPF 30+ a non-negotiable part of your daily routine. Choose complementary products like Vitamin C to double the defense of SPF to reduce oxidative stress.
Myth 8: You Can Shrink Your Pores
Reality:
Pore size is genetically determined and cannot be permanently reduced. However, you can minimize their appearance and prevent them from becoming more noticeable.
This myth has spawned countless products promising "pore-shrinking" results that simply can't deliver on their claims. While you can't change your genetics, you can optimize how your pores look and function.
The Science: Pores are openings for hair follicles and sebaceous glands. Their size is determined by genetics, age, and sun damage. However, research shows that keeping them clean and maintaining skin elasticity can significantly improve their appearance.
Smarter Choice: Focus on ingredients that keep pores clear (like gentle fruit exfoliants) and maintain skin firmness (like peptides and antioxidants). Proper cleansing and sun protection prevent pores from appearing larger over time.
Myth 9: The Right Skincare Product Can Provide Immediate Results
Reality:
Sustainable skin improvement takes time—typically 4-12 weeks for most beneficial changes to become visible.
Our instant-gratification culture has created unrealistic expectations for skincare results. This myth leads people to abandon effective products too quickly or seek increasingly aggressive treatments that can damage skin long-term.
The Science: Skin cell turnover cycles take approximately 28 days in young adults and up to 84 days in mature skin. Collagen rebuilding, pigmentation fading, and barrier repair all require multiple cell cycles to show visible improvement.
Smarter Choice: Commit to consistent use of well-formulated products for at least 6-8 weeks before evaluating results. Track progress with photos taken in consistent lighting rather than relying on daily mirror assessments, which can be misleading.
Myth 10: Longer Skincare Routines with Multiple Steps are More Effective
Reality:
Elaborate 10+ step routines often create more problems than they solve, particularly for sensitive or mature skin that can become easily overwhelmed.
The skincare industry profits from complexity, convincing consumers that they need multiple products to address every conceivable concern. In reality, layering too many products can lead to irritation, pill formation, and ingredient interactions that reduce effectiveness.
The Science: Research in cosmetic chemistry shows that skin can only absorb a limited amount of product at one time. Layering multiple serums or treatments often leads to poor penetration and potential irritation from incompatible ingredients.
Smarter Choice:
Create a simple routine using 3-5 high-quality, multi-purpose products that target your main concerns. Prioritise consistency with effective formulations over complexity with questionable benefits.
The Truth About Effective Skincare
Effective skincare doesn't require complexity, expensive price tags, or uncomfortable experiences. It requires understanding your skin's needs and choosing products formulated with intention, backed by science, and designed to work in harmony with your skin's natural processes.
We encourage you to question marketing claims, research ingredients, and choose products that align with scientific evidence rather than trends. Your skin—and your wallet—will thank you.
What skincare myths have you encountered? Share your experiences with us, and let's continue debunking misinformation together.
